Major investment for cancer patients unveiled

MEDIA RELEASE

September 29, 2016

Major investment for cancer patients unveiled

A $4 million investment is on track to benefit cancer patients receiving radiation therapy at Christchurch Hospital.

The Canterbury DHB’s commitment to improving patient care in the radiation oncology department at Christchurch Hospital includes the installation of a new Linear Accelerator treatment machine, refurbishment of the treatment room bunker and the upgrade of an existing Linear Accelerator to match the configuration of the new machine.

To mark this significant development, Christchurch Central MP Hon. Nicky Wagner will officially open the machine in the Radiation Oncology Department of Christchurch Hospital tomorrow(September 30, 2016).

David Meates, Canterbury DHB chief executive, says the new technology will help to enhance the amazing work and care the department already provides to patients.

“The teams deliver an absolutely remarkable service and to ensure they can continue to provide best care possible, it’s vital we’re able to keep up with medical technology advances and ensure our patients have access to those.”

Mr Meates says with the procurement process beginning back in July 2015, the project has involved a wide range of teams across Oncology and the Canterbury DHB in addition to working closely with outside contractors.

“Well done to everyone involved in getting this project to completion. It’s going to make a huge difference to our cancer patients lives,” he says.

A Linear Accelerator is used for external beam radiation treatments to any part/organ of the body for patients with cancer. It delivers high-energy x-rays to the region of the patient’s tumour. These x-ray treatments can be directed in such a way that they destroy the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.

The new treatment machine is an Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator which is manufactured by the same company that supplied the department’s three other Linear Accelerators.

Dr Avtar Raina, Canterbury DHB, Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology Christchurch Hospital, says the Versa HD is ideal for the latest treatment techniques such as stereotactic radiation therapy, as it provides extreme precision and enhanced conformance to tumour volumes.

“Technological enhancements with this Linear Accelerator mean we have the potential to deliver complicated techniques in a standard 10-20min slot, which previously would have taken 45-60mins. This is of great benefit for patients who won’t need to lie still for so long during their radiation treatment.”

Dr Avtar Raina says the installation and commissioning of a new linear accelerator requires substantial planning and resource, while continuing business as usual.

“From February through until the end of November the team have committed to shift work, ensuring no patients had their treatment compromised or delayed by the ongoing construction and commissioning work. The highly professional team have worked hard to continue providing a safe and excellent service for our patients?”

The Radiation Therapy Service is looking forward to the completion of the project in late November, returning to normal services with four fully functioning machines and integrated systems.

“Next year (2017) will be a year focused on utilising the new technology available to improve patient experiences and outcomes as well as optimising workflows throughout the Service.”

First radiation service with the new LINAC machine starts on Monday, 3 October.

Media are invited to attend the opening. Please RSVP to Amy Milne, Canterbury DHB Media Advisor.

Event: Launch of the new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) for the CDHB

Date: 30 Sept, 2016

Time: 10am – 11:00am

Venue: Radiotherapy Waiting Room & Treatment Bunker 2, Lower Ground Floor, Christchurch Hospital

ENDS

© Scoop Media